Rewarding excellence

The setting did not look like the usual lecture theatre, library or computer laboratory. It was not a gathering for group discussion or seminar presentation. But the atmosphere was full of glamour and glitz. It was the dinner and award night of research students of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan (UI).

The centre, which was conceived by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1973 and revived by the Canadian International Development Research Centre in 1980, provides expertise in the establishment, update and application of standards for the construction, maintenance and effective utilisation of computerised databanks in Africa.

It began operations in Nigeria in 1990 and undertakes research, trains high-level manpower and provides consultancy services in information science.

The yearly event was held at the Sultan Bello Dome on campus. From the red carpet that covered the entrance of the venue, through the sparkle of the lightings to the exquisitely decorated walls and seats, students filed into the hall with joy.

As guests made their entry, they were welcomed by loud music blaring from powerful speakers stationed at four sides of the hall. The students, who were still writing their second semester exam, looked resplendent in their attires.

It was also a forum where students and staff related and spoke their minds on academic issues. Students and lecturers, who distinguished themselves in some activities, were honoured.

In his address, the immediate past president of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science Students’ Association (ARCISSTA), Abimbola Ademola, said it was a stock taking event of the past year and also to reward outstanding personalities. Recalling the beginning of his tenure, Abimbola thanked God for the successes recorded during his time.

During the award session, the Director of the Centre, Prof Muta Tiamiyu, was awarded a fellow of the students’ body. He was described as a father and frontline academic whose contributions in the training of information professionals and growth of the discipline could not be quantified.

Prof Tiamiyu appreciated the students for the award and pledged to do more for the centre. He also hailed the students for upholding the institute’s ideals .

The sub-Dean of the Centre, Dr Wole Olatokun, was recognised as the Most Outstanding Lecturer. According to the organisers, Olatokun’s mastery of the course, delivery styles and relationships with students stood him out among other lecturers.

As he stepped out to receive the plaque, all the students rose to welcome Olatokun to the podium. Responding, the recipient appreciated the students for the award and pledged to do more. He urged the students to be committed to their research activities to ensure the nation’s growth.

Other awardees are Abimbola, who received both the Most Outstanding Executive and the Most Friendly Student (male category), Ibikunle Opeyemi, Most Friendly Student (female category), Ademola Olayiwola, Best Dressed (male) and Temitope Babatunde, Best Dressed (female).

The new executive members of the association were inaugurated on the occasion. Olatokun administered the oath on the officers, who included Towo Adeyemi, President, Similoluwa Olugbebi, Vice President, Biodun Olasebikan, General Secretary and Rashida Aligiwa, Assistant General Secretary.